Sweet corn grown in Iowa will hit some dinner and picnic tables early this year.

Some farmers took advantage of the unusually warm weather in March by planting some early fields. Many smaller producers took the gamble and planted early while larger producers waiting for normal planting time.

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State horticulturist Mike Bevins said most farmers are happy to have sweet corn ready to sell by the Fourth of July, which is considered the normal harvest time for sweet corn in Iowa.

But Mike Penick, of rural Carlisle, said he planted on St. Patrick's Day and will have corn ready to sell Friday at his stand near Des Moines.

And Gary Knight says he took a chance and planted two acres in March that didn't freeze off later.'

Des Moines Farmers' Market organizers said two booths are expected to have sweet corn on Saturday morning, but they expect it to go fast.